Aftershaves, Cologne and Eau de Toilette Explained

Don't apply an alcohol based aftershave directly onto your face after shaving. Not only is it a painful thing to do it actually damages your skin leading to dry skin, itching and premature aging.

I want to smell nice after shaving what should I use then?

Any alcohol free balm, moisturiser or skin food is the answer. Simply apply an alcohol free balm to freshly shaved skin to soothe, calm and re-hydrate.

Shaving removes a fine layer of skin and removes much needed oil and moisture from the skin, to maintain a healthy appearance and healthy skin you must replace the oils and moisture by applying a suitable balm such as eShave's Fragrance Free Balm.

You can then apply a nice, alcohol based aftershave, cologne or Eau de Toilette to the back of your neck, your chest area and your clothes - anywhere but the face.

What is the difference between Aftershave, Cologne and Eau de Toilette?

Fundamentally they are three different and distinct products, despite frequently being confused as the same thing.

Aftershave - Typically aftershaves contain a typical concentration of aromatic compounds of only 1%-3%, as a result the scent is not as strong or long lasting.

Eau de Cologne - Eau de Cologne is a higher grade of aftershave that contains a typical concentration of aromatic compounds of up to 7%. This gives an Eau de Cologne a much stronger scent, which lasts considerably longer than a normal aftershave.

Eau de Toilette - Eau de Toilette is a higher grade than Eau de Cologne, with a concentration of aromatic compounds of around 10%. Which makes EDT the strongest men's aftershave that you can buy. Typically you would place Eau de Toilette fragrance on your pulse points and it should last much longer, up to 8 hours, so you don't have to continuously re-apply.

About Aftershaves

Well known aftershave brands include, Old Spice, Gillette, Trumper, Tabac, Truefitt & Hill and Brut. Many fashion designers lend their names to brands of aftershave. Also many famous shaving and grooming names such as Taylor of Old Bond Street, D R Harris, Arran and others develop their own special Aftershaves.

About Eau de Cologne & Eau de Parfum

Eau de Colognes were first invented by Johann Maria Farina in 1709, in the city of Cologne, Germany. Today the term Eau de Cologne has become a generic term that is applied to perfume for men.

It is unclear as to when exactly the first Eau de Toilette, or toilet water, was first invented, however, records do ascribe Queen Elisabeth of Hungary (1305-1380) using a fragrant mix of oils and alcohol as a personal perfume. Today Eau de Toilette is used as a generic reference to stronger perfumes for both men and women.

Traditional Fragrances

No Wet Shave is complete without the aromatic scent of a men’s fragrance. Many shaving creams and soaps complement each other with an aftershave or cologne of the same fragrance. As mentioned before - apply a nice aftershave or cologne to the back of your neck, your chest area and your clothes - anywhere but the face!